Knitting Meme

Brynne, here it is! Thank you for the tag!

1. What is your all-time favorite yarn to knit with?

I'm still such a newbie (or maybe it's that there are so many yarns out there!) that I haven't tested enough yarns to name a favorite that I've knitted up more than once or twice! I'm about to finish a chemo cap, for which I'm using Blue Heron Yarn's bulky chenille in "Sunrise." Not only is it delightful to touch, I love watching the colors "unfold" as I knit!

2. Favorite needles?

Addis, without a doubt. I'm much faster with them, and I love the "click" sound (makes me think I'm getting somewhere!) I also love my new rosewood needles. They have a little more grip and they feel nice.

3. What's the worst thing you ever knit?

My mom's sweater. I'm using Cotolina (linen and cotton, which is nice!) but I got my gauge all wrong and had to frog the whole back. I've almost got the back finished for the second time, but when I showed my mom the sample sweater at Yarns2Ewe, she didn't seem too thrilled. I'm stalled. Totally.

4. Favorite knit pattern? The most fun to knit?

My favorite as of now is the sock pattern from the first Queensland Collection book. I actually really enjoy the 2x2 ribbing; once I get into the rhythm of it, it's very soothing to do!

I'm also making mittens from Mission Falls' "Smitten." The Advika mittens-- very stripey, with some crochet and shisha mirrors. I'm enjoying the challenge!

5. Most valuable knitting technique?

I've had to learn new cast-on methods lately. The first socks I did, I used a long-tail cast-on, which wasn't elastic enough. I tried the tubular cast-on (got the rough idea, but somehow ended up with the wrong number of stitches), and will have to practice before I can actually use it. I love the Twisted German Cast-on (now, is it the cast-on that's twisted, or the German? I'd love to know!)

6. Best knit book or magazine?

I really like Interweave Knits. As a knitter who is easily distracted, my current fave is Handknit Holidays(I've gotta do that Santa Hat!). The original Stitch n' Bitch is still my favorite reference.

7. Favorite knitalong?

I haven't really done it yet, but I've been following the Knitting on the Road knitalong for a while, and enjoy watching their progress! Hopefully I'll be able to finish some projects and do the next socks with them!

8. Favorite knitblogs?

I'm pretty slow on the uptake, at least where the web is concerned. I faithfully follow the blogs of my knitting group:
Brynne's (of course!) Knitlet;
Amy's Amylovie's Nuttin' But Knittin';
Catherine's Knittin' Notes;
Sarah's Needles in Motion;
Martha's Yes, I'm Knitting, Do You Have a Problem with That? and
Marlanea's Paramedknit
They're all wonderful, unique ladies with interesting projects and a good sense of humor-- all important qualities in a knitter!-- and great friends, too.

I also keep up with Yarn Harlot and Wendy Knits!but I'm still building my list!

9. Favorite knitwear designer?
Jane Ellison (despite the sweater fiasco mentioned in #3) and I've got some cool Mac and Me stuff that I'm anxious to try!
(oh, and Brynne, too! I know someone famous! I think I'm going to do Samus in time for next Christmas--and I can't wait for the Winter Knitty!)

10. The knit item that you wear the most?

Sadly, I haven't knit much for myself. The items I've knitted that have been loved the most are projects for my girls. Katie still carries around the first scarf I knitted (which was way too wide!) and her bear sported a sweater I'd made until it fell apart. My mom really got some use out of the Vegan Fox Stole I knitted for her.